Storing transaction details for mobile telephone top ups via automatic teller machines

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving a request from an automatic teller machine (ATM). The request indicates that a user of the ATM wishes to perform a current top up transaction for a mobile telephone owned by the user. The method further includes responding to the request by downloading a message to the ATM. The message contains data that indicates one or more mobile telephone carriers and one or more mobile telephone numbers that were subject to a prior top up transaction performed by the user.

BACKGROUND

Mobile telephone service is typically purchased either via a monthlypayment plan or on a pre-paid basis. In the latter case, customersperiodically engage in “top up” transactions from time to time in orderto pre-pay for additional “air time”.

In some cases mobile telephone customers are permitted to perform top uptransactions via automatic teller machines (ATMs). For example, thecustomer may insert his/her payment card (i.e., credit or debit card)into the ATM in order to charge the top up to his credit/debit cardaccount.

The present inventor has now recognized that there are opportunities forenhancing the convenience of mobile telephone top up transactionsundertaken via ATMs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of some embodiments of the present invention,and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become morereadily apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments and whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a mobiletelephone top up transaction system provided according to some aspectsof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a typical ATM that may bepart of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a computerthat may be operated by a top up transaction service provider as part ofthe system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A-4C together form a flow chart that illustrates an example topup transaction process as performed in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention in the ATM of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate screen displays that may be presented to a user bythe ATM of FIG. 2 in connection with the process of FIGS. 4A-4C.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow charts that illustrate examples of top uptransaction processes as performed in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention in the service provider computer of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an example top up detailsdatabase maintenance process as performed in accordance with aspects ofthe present invention in the service provider computer of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, and for the purpose of introducing concepts of embodimentsof the present invention, a service provider keeps a computerized recordof mobile top up transaction details (e.g., identity of mobile carrierplus mobile telephone number) for top up transactions performed via ATMsby payment card holders. When a card holder initiates a new top uptransaction at an ATM, communications are exchanged between the ATM andthe service provider so as to download to the ATM details from previousATM-based top up transactions by the card holder. This may facilitatethe card holder's selection/input of transaction details for the currenttransaction.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a mobiletelephone top up transaction system 100 provided according to someaspects of the present invention.

The mobile telephone top up transaction system 100 includes aconventional payment system/ATM network 102 that may includeconventional computing and telecommunication resources to link the ATMs(of which one is shown, indicated by reference numeral 108) withnumerous card issuers 110 which issue ATM and/or payment cards. Inaccordance with conventional practices, the holders (not shown) of theATM cards and/or payment cards may use the ATM cards and/or paymentcards to perform cash withdrawals and other transactions such as mobiletop up transactions via the ATMs. The ATMs may in some cases be operatedby the card issuers 110 and may be located at the premises of the cardissuers or at other locations such as retail stores. In some cases theATMs may be operated by businesses that are not financial institutions.The ATM 108 may fall into any of the categories of ATMs enumerated inthe previous two sentences.

As will be understood by those who are skilled in the art, the paymentsystem/ATM network 102 also includes acquiring institutions(“acquirers”; not separately shown) which are typically financialinstitutions that have relationships with the ATM operators or operatethe ATMs themselves and that initiate ATM transactions in response tocommunications from ATM operators and/or the ATMs they themselvesoperate (and/or from payment card transaction processors). The paymentsystem/ATM network 102 also includes payment card issuing institutions(“issuers”) 110 that issue ATM cards (typically credit cards and/ordebit cards) to individual consumers, businesses and other entities. Amajor component (also not separately shown) of the payment system/ATMnetwork 102 is a transaction routing and clearing system, which routesATM transactions from acquirers to issuers. One very well known andextensively used transaction routing and clearing system is called“Banknet” and is operated by MasterCard International Inc., the assigneehereof.

The mobile telephone top up transaction system 100 also includes anumber of mobile telephone carriers 104 (also known as “mobile networkoperators” or “MNOs”). The mobile telephone carriers 104 operate mobiletelephone service networks serving numerous mobile telephone servicesubscribers (not shown). The mobile telephone carriers 104 receivepayments for mobile telephone top up transactions via the payment system102/ATM network (i.e., via acquirers that have banking relationshipswith the mobile telephone carriers 104—these acquirers are not shown),and in response to these payments, the mobile telephone carriers 104increase the currently available amounts of air time for the subscriberswho made the payments. Examples of how the payments may be made in themobile telephone top up transaction system 100 will be provided below.

Still further, the mobile telephone top up transaction system 100includes a mobile top up service provider computer 112, which may beconnected by suitable data communication links 114 to the paymentsystem/ATM network 102. The mobile top up service provider computer 112is provided in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As willbe seen from subsequent discussion, the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 handles and facilitates mobile top up transactionsinitiated by users (mobile telephone subscribers) via the ATM 108(and/or via other ATMs connected to the ATM network 106). The mobile topup service provider computer 112 may be operated by or on behalf of theoperator (which could be a payment card association) of the paymentsystem/ATM network 102. Alternatively, the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112 may also be provided by or on behalf of otherparticipants in the system, such as one or more of the card issuers 110,the operator of the ATM 108, one or more acquirers (not shown), or anyother independent provider.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of the ATM 108shown in FIG. 1. ATM 108 may be entirely conventional in its hardwareaspects, but may be programmed in accordance with aspects of theinvention to provide novel features and functionality as describedbelow.

Inasmuch as the hardware constituting ATM 108 may be conventional, thathardware will now be described only in a summary fashion. The ATM 108includes, and is controlled in its operation by, a conventionalprocessor 202, which may be a microprocessor. The ATM 108 also includesone or more program storage devices 204 (e.g, memory device(s), massstorage, computer-readable media, or the like) which store programinstructions that are executed by and control the processor 202. Theprogram instructions are such that the ATM 108 performs processes asdescribed below. The program storage device is in communication with theprocessor 202.

Further, the ATM 108 includes working memory 206 (RAM and/or flashmemory, etc.), also in communication with the processor 202. Alsoincluded in the ATM 108 is a communication device 208, coupled to theprocessor 202. The ATM 108 is able to exchange data communications viathe communication device 208 with other devices, such as the ATM network106 (FIG. 1) or the mobile top up service provider computer 112 (eithervia the ATM network 106 or directly).

Also, the ATM 108 includes a conventional card reader 210. The cardreader 210 is in communication with the processor 202 and functions toread information from magnetic stripes and/or integrated circuit cards(ICC) on ATM cards and/or payment cards inserted into the card reader210 by users of the ATM 108.

Still further, the ATM 108 includes a conventional cash dispenser 212.The cash dispenser 212 is coupled to and under the control of theprocessor 202, and operates in a conventional manner to dispense cash inresponse to requests entered by users into the ATM 108.

The ATM 108 also includes a conventional deposit envelope receptacle 214which operates to receive deposit envelopes inserted by users into theATM 108. Also included in the ATM 108 is a conventional receipt printer216. The receipt printer 216 is coupled to the processor 202 and iscontrolled in a conventional manner by the processor 202 to print anddispense transaction receipts for users of the ATM 108.

Moreover, the ATM 108 includes a conventional screen and input keys (ora touch screen) 218. The screen and input keys (or a touch screen) 218are in communication with the processor 202 and constitutes the primarydata input/output component for the ATM 108. In other words, the screenand input keys (or a touch screen) 218 are the primary mechanism bywhich the ATM 108 provides a user interface, and are the main componentby which the user communicates with the processor 202 and hence with theATM 108.

All of the above-enumerated components of the ATM 108 are contained inand/or supported by a housing which is schematically indicated at 220.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of the mobiletop up service provider computer 112.

The mobile top up service provider computer 112 may be conventional inits hardware aspects but may be controlled by software to cause it tooperate in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

The mobile top up service provider computer 112 may include a computerprocessor 300 operatively coupled to a communication device 301, astorage device 304, an input device 306 and an output device 308.

The computer processor 300 may be constituted by one or moreconventional processors. Processor 300 operates to executeprocessor-executable steps, contained in program instructions describedbelow, so as to control the mobile top up service provider computer 112to provide desired functionality.

Communication device 301 may be used to facilitate communication with,for example, other devices (such as the ATM 108 and the payment system102).

Input device 306 may comprise one or more of any type of peripheraldevice typically used to input data into a computer. For example, theinput device 306 may include a keyboard and a mouse. Output device 308may comprise, for example, a display and/or a printer.

Storage device 304 may comprise any appropriate information storagedevice, including combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g.,magnetic tape and hard disk drives), optical storage devices such as CDsand/or DVDs, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as Random AccessMemory (RAM) devices and Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, as well asso-called flash memory. Any one or more of such information storagedevices may be considered to be a computer-readable storage medium.

Storage device 304 stores one or more programs for controlling processor300. The programs comprise program instructions that containprocessor-executable process steps of mobile top up service providercomputer 112, including process steps that constitute processes providedin accordance with principles of the present invention, as described inmore detail below.

The programs may include an application/program module 310 that controlsthe processor 300 to handle mobile telephone top up transactionsinitiated by users of ATM 108 and other ATMs interfaced to the paymentsystem/ATM network 102. Details of processes implemented by theapplication/program module 310 will be described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 12A and 12B.

The programs may also include an application/program module 312 by whichthe mobile top up service provider computer 112 manages storage of topup transaction “details” by which is meant the mobile carrier and mobiletelephone number with respect to which a particular top up transactionis carried out.

In addition to the software programs expressly listed above, the mobiletop up service provider computer 112 may be programmed with othersoftware, such as one or more operating systems, device drivers,database management programs, programs to enable the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 to operate as a server computer withrespect to remote client applications, communication software, etc.

The storage device 304 may also store a database 314 which contains dataregarding top up transactions handled by the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112, and a database 316 which stores the “details”(carrier and mobile phone number) for subscribers' past top uptransactions. Practices for generating and maintaining the detailsdatabase 316, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, willbe described below.

FIGS. 4A-4C together form a flow chart that illustrates an example topup transaction process as performed in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention in the ATM 108.

At block 402 in FIG. 4A, the ATM 108 idles until a user has inserted amagnetic stripe (and/or ICC) card into the card reader 210 of the ATM108.

When it is the case that a magnetic stripe (and/or ICC) card has beeninserted into the card reader 210, then the process advances from block402 to block 406. At block 406, the card reader 210 reads the cardnumber (and possibly other information as well) from the magnetic stripe(and/or ICC) on the card and transmits the card number to the processor202. It will be appreciated that the magnetic stripe (and/or ICC) cardmay be an ATM card or a payment card (credit card or debit card). Thecard number corresponds to the cardholder's payment or ATM card accountnumber as used within the payment system/ATM network 102.

Following block 406 is block 408. At block 408, the ATM 108, via thetouch screen 218, prompts the user to enter his/her PIN (personalidentification number). This step may be implemented in a conventionalfashion, using the screen and input keys (or a touch screen) 218 todisplay appropriate messages and allow the user to enter his or her PIN.The ATM 108 may check the validity of the entered PIN in a conventionalfashion. After block 408, the process of FIGS. 4A-4C may branch atdecision block 410 depending on whether the ATM 108 found the PIN to bevalid. If the PIN was not valid, the process may end (412).

However, if the PIN was valid, then the process may advance fromdecision block 410 to block 414. At block 414, the ATM 108 may display amain menu to the user, via screen and input keys (or touch screen) 218and wait for the user selection. An example main menu screen display isillustrated in FIG. 5. It will be observed that the main menu screendisplay includes four options 502, 504, 506, 508. (In alternativeembodiments, other or additional menu options may be provided besidesthose illustrated in FIG. 5.) The user may select option 502 to select atransaction in which the ATM 108 dispenses cash. The user may selectoption 504 to select a transaction in which the user submits a bankingdeposit to the ATM 108. The user may select option 506 to select atransaction in which the user operates the ATM 108 to make a payment.The user may select option 508 to select a mobile top up transaction. Itis the latter type of transaction which is the primary subject of theensuing discussion.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, decision block 416 follows block 414. Atdecision block 416, the ATM 108 determines whether the user has selecteda mobile top up transaction from the main menu. If such is not the case,then the ATM 108 handles the selected transaction (block 418) in aconventional manner. However, if the user selects a mobile top uptransaction, then the process advances from decision block 416 to block420.

At block 420, the ATM 108 transmits to the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112 a request that indicates that the user wishes toperform a mobile top up transaction. The request may identify the userby his/her ATM card and/or payment card account number, as read fromhis/her card by the card reader 210 of the ATM 108. In effect, as willbe seen, the request transmitted by the ATM 108 to the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 at 420 is a request that the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 download to the ATM 108 details (mobilecarrier and mobile telephone number) for at least one prior top uptransaction engaged in by the user on this or another ATM. The requestmay, for example, include a suitable code or flag to indicate that it isa request for prior top up transaction detail information. The requestdoes not include information indicative of a carrier, a mobile telephonenumber or a transaction amount.

As seen from FIG. 4B (taken in conjunction with FIG. 4A) the processadvances from block 420 to decision block 422 (FIG. 4B). At decisionblock 422, the ATM 108 determines whether it has received a positiveresponse (one that includes the requested details for at least one pastmobile top up transaction) from the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 to the request sent at 420. If the ATM 108 determines thatit has not received a positive response (i.e., if the ATM 108 received aresponse containing no details for past mobile top up transaction orreceived no response at all after having waited for a predefined amountof time-typically referred to as a “time-out”), the process advances, asindicated by branch 424, from decision block 422 to block 448 in FIG.4C. However, if the ATM 108 determines that it has received a positiveresponse to the request, then the process advances from decision block422 to block 426.

At 426, the ATM 108 may present to the user a screen display like thatshown in FIG. 6. The screen display of FIG. 6 includes the options 602,604, 606 and 608. Option 602 presents a first set of prior top uptransaction details (mobile carrier name and mobile telephone number)downloaded from the mobile top up service provider computer 112 to theATM 108 and reflecting a prior mobile top up transaction engaged in bythe user. Option 604 presents a second set of prior top up transactiondetails downloaded from the mobile top up service provider computer 112to the ATM 108 and reflecting another prior mobile top up transactionengaged in by the user. Option 606 presents a third set of prior top uptransaction details downloaded from the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 to the ATM 108 and reflecting still another prior mobiletop up transaction engaged in by the user. In effect then, the options602-606 provide the user with selection options corresponding to threedifferent mobile telephones that the user may select among for toppingup in the present transaction. These three options reflect informationthat may have been stored in the mobile telephone top up transactionsystem 100 (and specifically in the mobile top up service providercomputer 112) in connection with prior top up transactions engaged in bythe user. Consequently, the display of FIG. 6 and the data storage,management and communication that underlie the display of FIG. 6 mayfacilitate the user's operation of a top up transaction by relieving theuser of the need to enter specific top up details (telephone number,mobile carrier) for the current top up transaction.

(The number of pre-stored detail options presented in the screen displaymay be more or less than the three options 602-606 shown in FIG. 6. Thenumber of pre-stored detail options may depend, for example, on how manydifferent mobile telephone accounts the user has previously topped up(and opted to have stored) via the mobile telephone top up transactionsystem 100. In some embodiments, the system may limit the number ofdifferent mobile telephone accounts for which details are stored for agiven user. For example, the maximum number stored may be five oranother maximum number.)

It will be observed that the screen display of FIG. 6 also includesoption 608 by which the user may indicate that he/she wishes to enter anew set of mobile telephone account details. Also seen in FIG. 6 is alegend 610 which instructs the user to select one of the options 602-606to select a phone for topping up.

Referring again to FIG. 4B, the process advances from block 426 todecision block 428. At decision block 428, the ATM 108 determineswhether the user has selected one of the options that represents stored(in the mobile top up service provider computer 112) details from aprior top up transaction. If so, the ATM 108 notes the correspondingselected details and advances to block 430 from decision block 428. Atblock 430, the ATM 108 prompts the user to select an amount of money forthe desired top up and waits until the user indicates his/her choice.For example, the ATM 108 may display a screen like that shown in FIG. 7.It will be observed that the screen display of FIG. 7 includes option702 (for selecting $25.00 as the amount of the top up), option 704 (forselecting $50.00 as the amount of the top up) and option 706 (forselecting $100.00 as the amount of the top up). (In alternativeembodiments, the number of options and/or the amounts available forselection and/or the currencies may be different from those shown inFIG. 7.) It will also be noted that the screen display of FIG. 7includes a legend 708 to indicate to the user that he/she is to selectone of the options in order to select a monetary amount for the currenttop up transaction.

Following block 430 (FIG. 4B), and assuming that the user selects thetop up amount, the process advances to block 436. At block 436, the ATM108 sends another request to the mobile top up service provider computer112. This second request indicates to the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 the details (name of mobile carrier and mobile telephonenumber) for the top up transaction, as selected by the user, and alsoindicates the amount for the transaction, as selected by the user.

Following block 436, the process advances to decision block 438. Atdecision block 438, the ATM 108 determines whether it has received backfrom the mobile top up service provider computer 112 a messageconfirming that the mobile top up transaction has been performed. Untilthis occurs, the process may idle at decision block 438, as indicated bybranch 440 from decision block 438. However, once the ATM 108 hasreceived the confirmation message from the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112, then the process may advance from decision block438 to block 442. At block 442, the ATM 108 may display to the user ascreen display (not shown) to confirm to the user that the top uptransaction has been completed. The process may then end (444).

The discussion will now consider an alternative branch from decisionblocks 422 and 428 (FIG. 4B), and in doing so will describe analternative way in which the user may input his/her selection of amobile telephone account for topping up in the current transaction. Inparticular, if the ATM 108 determines at decision block 422 that it didnot receive a positive response to the first request or at decisionblock 428 that the user has selected the option to enter new phonedetails (option 608 in FIG. 6), then the process advances from decisionblock 422 in FIG. 4B or from decision block 428 in FIG. 4B to block 448in FIG. 4C. At block 448, the ATM 108 prompts the user to select themobile carrier for the mobile telephone account that is to be topped upin the current transaction and waits for the user to make his/herselection. For example, the ATM 108 may display a screen like that shownin FIG. 8. The screen display of FIG. 8 includes options 802, 804, 806,each of which displays the name of a respective mobile carrier. (Inalternative embodiments, the number of carrier options may be more orfewer than the three such options shown in FIG. 8.) Also shown in thescreen display of FIG. 8 is a legend 808 which indicates to the userthat he/she is to select the desired mobile carrier by selecting one ofthe options 802-806.

The process advances from block 448 to block 454. At block 454, the ATM108 prompts the user to enter the mobile telephone number for theaccount that is to be topped up and waits for user input. For example,if the ATM 108 has a touch screen, then it may display a screen displaylike that shown in FIG. 9. This screen display includes a legend 902instructing the user to enter the mobile telephone number and alsoincludes a data entry field 904 into which the user is to enter thedigits of the mobile telephone number. The user may enter the digits byinteracting with a virtual numerical keypad displayed at 906, and mayactuate a “done” button 908 when entry of the mobile telephone number iscomplete.

Referring again to FIG. 4C, the process advances from block 454 to block460. At block 460 the ATM 108 prompts the user to re-enter the mobiletelephone number in order to confirm that the user correctly entered theintended mobile telephone number in the first instance. If the ATM 108has a touch screen, then this may be done by the ATM 108 displaying ascreen display like that shown in FIG. 10. It will be noted that thescreen display of FIG. 10 is the same as the screen display of FIG. 9,except for the legend 1002 in the screen display of FIG. 10 whichprompts the user to re-enter the mobile telephone number.

Referring again to FIG. 4C, the process advances from block 460 todecision block 462. At decision block 462, the ATM 108 determineswhether the mobile telephone number, as re-entered by the user, matchesthe mobile telephone number as originally entered in response to theprompt screen shown in FIG. 9 (step 454). If the mobile telephone numberas re-entered matches the mobile telephone number originally entered,then the process advances from decision block 462 to block 464. At block464, the ATM 108 prompts the user to indicate whether the user wishesthe system to store the mobile top up transaction details (carrier nameand mobile telephone number)—which were entered at steps 448 and 454—foruse in subsequent mobile top up transactions and waits for the user toinput his/her choice. For example, if the ATM 108 has a touch screen,then it may display a screen display like that shown in FIG. 11. It willbe noted that the screen display of FIG. 11 contains a query 1102 inwhich the user is asked whether the top up transaction details are to bestored. The screen display also includes response buttons 1104 and 1106.The user may indicate that he/she wishes the details to be stored byactuating “yes” button 1104 and may decline storage of the details byactuating “no” button 1106.

Once the user has input his/her choice, the ATM 108 may set a state of amobile top up details storage indicator accordingly. In someembodiments, the mobile top up details storage indicator may have threestates, including: (a) a first state that indicates that new detailshave been entered for the transaction and that the user desires that thenew details be stored in the system; (b) a second state that indicatesthat new details have been entered for the transaction and that the userdesires that the new details not be stored in the system; and (c) athird state that indicates that the user has selected the transactiondetails from previously stored details (as per steps 448-450).

Upon receipt of the store/don't store indication prompted for at step464, the process may advance from block 464 to block 430 (FIG. 4B) atwhich the ATM 108 prompts for selection of a monetary amount for thetransaction, as previously described. The process continues through tostep 436 at which the ATM 108 sends the second request to the mobile topup service provider computer 112, as previously described. It ispertinent to note at this point that the second request sent by the ATM108 to the mobile top up service provider computer 112 may include themobile top up details storage indicator as described in the previousparagraph, in order to indicate to the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 whether the transaction is utilizing previously storeddetails or new details, and if the latter, whether the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 is to store the new details.

Considering again decision block 462 (FIG. 4C), if the ATM 108determines that the re-entered mobile telephone number is not correct,the process may loop back to block 454 to give the user anotheropportunity to enter, and then re-enter, the mobile telephone number. Inthis loop as well, there may be a time-out function in effect and/or theprocess may permit only a limited number of retries before terminating.

It should also be understood that the screen displays shown in FIGS.5-11 are only somewhat schematic examples, and that in practicalimplementations of the invention the user input may be captured viainput keys or other input channels that may differ from touch screensand the screen displays may include other features, such as additionalnavigation options, options to terminate the transaction or return to aprevious screen, etc.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are flow charts that illustrate an example of top uptransaction processes as performed in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention in the mobile top up service provider computer 112.FIG. 12A illustrates handling of the first request to service providermentioned in block 420 in FIG. 4A. FIG. 12B illustrates handling of thesecond request to service provider mentioned in block 436 in FIG. 4B.The first and second requests to service provider will normally occurone after the other, but it should be noted that in some cases one mayoccur without the other.

At block 1202 in FIG. 12A, the mobile top up service provider computer112 waits until it receives, from an ATM, a top up transaction (first)request of the kind described above in connection with block 420 in FIG.4A. It will be recalled that a request of this type identifies the userby the user's payment card account number or ATM card number, andindicates that the user wishes to perform a mobile top up transaction,but does not include details for the requested transaction. Rather, therequest calls on the mobile top up service provider computer 112 todownload, to the ATM, details (mobile carrier and mobile telephonenumber) utilized by the user in prior top up transactions.

When a request for a top up transaction is received, the process of FIG.12A advances from decision block 1202 to block 1206. At block 1206, themobile top up service provider computer 112 uses the user's ATM/paymentcard account number (as contained in the request) to reference the topup details database 316 (FIG. 3) to look up details of previous top uptransactions performed by the user. Assuming such details are found, theprocess of FIG. 12A advances from 1206 to 1208. At 1208, the mobile topup service provider computer 112 sends a message to the ATM in which themobile top up service provider computer 112 downloads the priortransaction details. (In the absence of such details being on recordwith the mobile top up service provider computer 112, the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 may send a negative response to the ATM,thereby requiring the user to enter new details.) After block 1208, theprocess of FIG. 12A ends.

The process of FIG. 12B starts with block 1210. At block 1210, themobile top up service provider computer 112 waits until it receives arequest from the ATM that specifies the transaction details (eitherselected by the user from stored details that were downloaded to the ATMfrom the mobile top up service provider computer 112 or newly entereddetails) and the amount of money selected for the top up. Once such arequest is received, the mobile top up service provider computeradvances to block 1214 and may read the above-mentioned mobile top updetails storage indicator, which may be included in the request.

The process of FIG. 12B then advances from block 1214 to decision block1216. At decision block 1216, the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 determines what action to take with respect to the top updetails database 316 in view of the state of the mobile top up detailsstorage indicator as contained in the second request. If the state ofthe mobile top up details storage indicator was such as to indicate thatthe details in the second message were previously stored in the top updetails database 316, then the process of FIG. 12 advances from decisionblock 1216 to block 1218. At block 1218, the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112 updates the top up details database 316 byoverwriting, with the current date, the field in the database thatindicates when the selected details were last used for a top uptransaction.

The process of FIG. 12 then advances from block 1218 to block 1220. Atblock 1220, the mobile top up service provider computer 112 initiates atransaction in the payment system/ATM network 102 (FIG. 1) to credit thetop up transaction amount to the mobile carrier indicated in the secondrequest from the ATM. For example, the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 may act on behalf of the acquirer for the indicated mobilecarrier to initiate an essentially conventional purchase transaction inthe payment system/ATM network 102. The purchase transaction may includethe user's payment card account number such that the purchasetransaction is routed in the payment system/ATM network 102 to theissuer 110 of the user's card to implement a charge (or debit) to theuser's payment card account. Once the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 receives an indication that the purchase transaction hasbeen authorized by the issuer 110 of the user's card, then the mobiletop up service provider computer 112 may send a message to the indicatedmobile carrier to indicate that the carrier should credit thetransaction amount to the user's mobile service air time account. Thismessage may include the mobile telephone number selected by the user forthe transaction details.

The process of FIG. 12B then advances from block 1220 to block 1226. Atblock 1226, the mobile top up service provider computer 112 sends aconfirmation message to the ATM so that the ATM performs step 442 (FIG.4B) to confirm to the user that the top up transaction is complete. Theprocess of FIG. 12 then ends (1228).

Considering again decision block 1216, assume now that the mobile top updetails storage indicator received in the second request was in a stateto indicate that the user entered new details for the top up transactionand the user desires that the system store the new details. In thiscase, the process of FIG. 12B advances from decision block 1216 to block1230. At block 1230, the mobile top up service provider computer 112adds a new entry to the top up details database 316 for the user(ATM/payment card account number) in question to store the new top uptransaction details along with the current date as the last date onwhich the new details were used for a top up transaction. The process ofFIG. 12B then advances from block 1230 to blocks 1220, 1226, etc., aspreviously described.

Considering decision block 1216 once more, let it next be assumed thatthe mobile top up details storage indicator received in the secondrequest was in a state to indicate that the user entered new details forthe top up transaction but does not desire that the system store the newdetails. In this case, the process of FIG. 12 advances directly fromdecision block 1216 to blocks 1220, 1226, etc., without the mobile topup service provider computer 112 taking any action with respect to thetop up details database 316. Consequently, in this case, the mobile topup service provider computer 112 does not store the new top uptransaction details.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart that illustrates an example process performed inaccordance with aspects of the present invention by the mobile top upservice provider computer 112 with respect to the top up detailsdatabase 316. This process may, for example, be performed at regularintervals (e.g., weekly or monthly) by the mobile top up serviceprovider computer 112 to prune obsolete information from the top updetails database 316. Other similar processes (performed at regularintervals or after every transaction) may also be put in place, forexample, to prune the older mobile top up records that have been storedfor ATM/payment cards when the number of records exceeds a certainpre-defined number of records per card.

At decision block 1302 in FIG. 13, the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 determines whether the time has arrived for performing thedetails database maintenance process. If not, the process idles, asindicated by branch 1304 from decision block 1304. However, if theappointed time for the maintenance process has arrived, then the processof FIG. 13 advances from decision block 1302 to block 1306. At block1306, the mobile top up service provider computer 112 accesses the firstor next record from the top up details database 316. Each record in thetop up details database 316 corresponds to a given payment card accountnumber for a user of the system.

The process of FIG. 13 advances from block 1306 to block 1308. At block1308, the mobile top up service provider computer 112 accesses the firstor next item in the current record. Each item in a record corresponds toa set of top up transaction details used by the corresponding user in aprior transaction and stored in the mobile top up service providercomputer 112. Each item includes the latest date on which the set ofdetails was used for a mobile top up transaction.

The process of FIG. 13 advances from block 1308 to decision block 1310.At decision block 1310 the mobile top up service provider computer 112determines whether the latest use date for the item is more than acertain interval of time in the past. For example, an interval of fiveyears may be used, so that items more than five years old are deleted.If the mobile top up service provider computer 112 makes a positivedetermination at decision block 1310, then the item in question isdeleted (1312), and the process advances to decision block 1314 from1312. At decision block 1314, the mobile top up service providercomputer 112 determines whether there are any more items in the currentrecord. If the mobile top up service provider computer 112 determines atdecision block 1310 that the last use date of the details is not olderthan the certain interval of time, then the process of FIG. 13 advancesfrom decision block 1310 directly to decision block 1314, withoutdeleting the current item.

If the mobile top up service provider computer 112 determines atdecision block 1314 that there are more items in the current record, theprocess of FIG. 13 loops back from decision block 1314 to block 1308 soas to access and examine the next item in the current record. Otherwise,the process of FIG. 13 advances from decision block 1314 to decisionblock 1316.

At decision block 1316, the mobile top up service provider computer 112determines whether there are any more records in the top up detailsdatabase 316. If so, the process of FIG. 13 loops back from decisionblock 1316 to block 1306 so as to access and examine the next record inthe top up details database 316. Otherwise, the process of FIG. 13 iscomplete, and ends at 1318.

The present invention has been illustrated in the context of atransaction processing network that handles both ATM transactions andpayment card transactions. However, other architectures or arrangementsare also within the scope of the invention. For example, the ATMtransaction network and the payment card system may be functionallyseparate, and the mobile top up service provider may be connected toboth to provide the functionality described herein. For example, themobile top up service provider may receive top up requests from ATMs viathe ATM network, and may implement payments for the top ups via thepayment card system. In some embodiments, for example, the mobile top upservice provider may provide “on behalf” services to the mobilecarriers, to submit payment card transactions to the acquiringinstitutions that service the mobile carriers. Upon receivingconfirmation of authorization for the payment card system transactions,the mobile top up service provider may so inform the mobile carriers(while informing the carriers of the customers' mobile telephonenumbers), which then credit the newly-purchased air time to thecustomers' mobile telephone accounts. Other arrangements and/or processflows are also possible, as will be recognized by those who are skilledin the art.

The flow charts and descriptions thereof herein should not be understoodto prescribe a fixed order of performing the method steps describedtherein. Rather the method steps may be performed in any order that ispracticable.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “payment card systemaccount” includes a credit card account or a deposit account that theaccount holder may access using a debit card. The terms “payment cardsystem account” and “payment card account” are used interchangeablyherein. The term “payment card account number” includes a number thatidentifies a payment card system account or a number carried by apayment card, or a number that is used to route a transaction in apayment system that handles debit card and/or credit card transactions.The term “payment card” includes a credit card or a debit card.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “payment cardsystem” refers to a system for handling purchase transactions andrelated transactions and operated under the name of MasterCard, Visa,American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card or a similar system.

Although the present invention has been described in connection withspecific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations apparent to those skilled in theart can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: receiving a request from an automatic teller machine (ATM), said request indicating that a user of the ATM wishes to perform a mobile top up transaction for a mobile telephone; and responding to the request by downloading a message to the ATM, the message containing data indicative of one or more mobile telephone carriers and one or more mobile telephone numbers that were subject to prior top up transactions performed by the user.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request identifies the user by a payment card account number assigned to the user.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: using the payment card account number to look up said data indicative of the mobile telephone carrier and the mobile telephone number.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second request from the ATM, the second request confirming that the mobile telephone carrier and the mobile telephone number indicated in the message are to be subject to the current top up transaction.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second request indicates an amount of money to be applied in the current top up transaction.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: in response to the second request, initiating a transaction in a payment card system or ATM network to credit the indicated amount of money to the mobile telephone carrier.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving confirmation that the transaction in the payment card system or ATM network has been performed successfully.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: transmitting to the ATM a confirmation that the current top up transaction has been performed successfully.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the message contains a plurality of data items, each data item corresponding to a respective prior top up transaction and indicative of a respective mobile telephone carrier and a respective mobile telephone number that were subject to the respective prior top up transaction.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second request from the ATM, the second request indicating a mobile telephone carrier and a mobile telephone number to be subject to the current top up transaction, the second request also including a mobile top up details storage indicator, the mobile top up details storage indicator for indicating a selection made by the user from among the following options: (a) selection of a previously stored mobile telephone carrier and a previously stored mobile telephone number; (b) entry of a new mobile telephone number and a request that the new mobile telephone number be stored; (c) entry of a new mobile telephone number and a request that the new mobile telephone number not be stored; (d) request that the new mobile telephone number be stored; and (e) request that the new mobile telephone number not be stored.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: in response to the second request, storing the new mobile telephone number in association with a payment card account number assigned to the user if the mobile top up details storage indicator indicated options (b) or (d).
 12. A method of operating an automatic teller machine (ATM), the method comprising: receiving in the ATM an indication that a user wishes to perform a current mobile telephone top up transaction; transmitting to a service provider a request for prior top up transaction data for the user; receiving the requested prior top up transaction data from the service provider; displaying the received prior top up transaction data to the user; receiving in the ATM an indication of a selection by the user of a mobile telephone carrier and a mobile telephone number from the displayed prior top up transaction data; receiving in the ATM from the user an indication of an amount of money for the current top up transaction; and transmitting a second request to the service provider, the second request indicating the amount of money and the selected mobile telephone carrier and selected mobile telephone number.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: reading a payment card account number from a payment card inserted by the user into the ATM; and wherein the request for prior top up transaction data identifies the user by the payment card account number read from the payment card.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving from the service provider confirmation that the current mobile telephone top up transaction has been completed.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: displaying to the user an indication that the current mobile telephone top up transaction has been completed.
 16. A method of operating an automatic teller machine (ATM), the method comprising: reading a payment card account number from a payment card inserted into the ATM by a user; receiving in the ATM an indication that the user wishes to perform a mobile telephone top up transaction; prompting the user to select a mobile telephone carrier for the top up transaction; receiving an indication from the user indicating selection of the mobile telephone carrier; prompting the user to enter a mobile telephone number for the top up transaction; receiving from the user entry of numeric data to indicate the mobile telephone number; prompting the user to indicate whether the user wishes that the selection of the mobile telephone carrier and the mobile telephone number be stored for future top up transactions; receiving an indication from the user as to whether the selection of the mobile telephone carrier and the mobile telephone number are to be stored; and sending a message to a service provider, the message including an indication of the selected mobile telephone carrier, the mobile telephone number, and an indication as to whether the service provider is to store the selection of the mobile telephone carrier and the mobile telephone number for future top up transactions.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the prompting steps includes displaying information on a display component of the ATM. 